Nutmeg said:This post caught my eye because I had a choice between moving to Oahu or St Thomas and choose the latter. Hawaii is beautiful, but (isn't there always a but?) it is SO far from anything else, even the other islands, and it is just like Big America- highways and fast food, but with poi on the side. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />
When we were on our first trip to Kauai one of the guides on our irrigation ditch tubing expedition mentioned she was from Oahu. I asked her why she had moved, she said, Oahu is like Los Angeles, too much traffic, too many high rises. I've heard the North side is lovely but have only seen the view out of the airplane and the inside of the airport there.
The Big Island is not as built up though. For us west coast folks Hawaii is way easier to visit than the Virgin Islands. I love them both. Trip Advisor has very active Hawaii forums. Cost of living is high in Hawaii but it is the happiest state in our great nation! jimnjudy - best of luck to you in your research and your move.